The antidepressant medication Zoloft, generic name sertraline, has been available for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders since 1991. In this time, Zoloft has been prescribed to nearly thirty million people in the US; in 2007, it was the most frequently prescribed antidepressant on the market. Unfortunately, despite its apparent popularity, Zoloft (and several other antidepressants) may be dangerous to take during pregnancy. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the use of Zoloft during pregnancy (especially during the first trimester) was linked to higher odds of having a child born with a birth defect, like Craniosynostosis. The results of this study and other similar research findings have resulted in litigation against the manufacturer of this drug, Pfizer.
About Zoloft Craniosynostosis
The Zoloft birth defect Craniosynostosis happens when the sutures in a developing baby’s skull close abnormally early, prior to the time when the brain has finished its formation. In this case, “suture” refers to the immovable joint connecting two bones in the skull. In the event of Zoloft craniosynostosis, the infant’s brain cannot take its normal shape and the head will have an abnormal shape as well. The exact manifestation of craniosynostosis depends on both the amount and location of affected sutures. Other antidepressant drugs that have been linked to increased risk of craniosynostosis are Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, and Effexor.
Zoloft Craniosynostosis Treatment and Complications
In mild cases of Zoloft craniosynostosis, treatment may not be necessary, or a cranial helmet may be employed in order to reform the head. However, most of the time surgery will be necessary in order to alleviate stress on the brain, enhance the head’s appearance, as well as expand the amount of space available for further brain development. As far as craniosynostosis operations, traditional or endoscopic surgical methods may be used. If left untreated, this Zoloft birth injury may result in loss of sight, damage to the brain, seizures, and even death. Because craniosynostosis can affect the physical appearance of the head and face, some children will require treatment to help them deal with corresponding self-esteem issues as well.
File a Craniosynostosis Lawsuit: Speak to a Zoloft Attorney
If your child was born with Zoloft craniosynostosis or any other birth defect after prenatal exposure to an antidepressant, you and your family may have a legal claim to a monetary settlement. Call the Willis Law Firm today, so we can discuss your legal options with you and decide if a Zoloft lawsuit is the right course of action. Currently, our firm is accepting antidepressant birth defect cases nationwide; all SSRI lawsuit clients are represented on a contingency fee basis, so no legal fees will be billed unless a successful recovery is obtained.